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Countryside Park Running Trail of the Houston Area

Countryside Park Running Trail of the Houston Area is actually located in League City and not only does Countryside Park have a delightful running trail but there are a myriad of attractions comparable to downtown Buffalo Bayou running trail (without being downtown) which means parking is easier if you want to hoist a canoe down to the water it is a lot less of a hike and no pesky stairs to maneuver. But, really I just run the trails and take my kids to the playgrounds these days. Maybe one day I will have some input on the water trails of the Houston area and when that time comes Countryside Park will definitely get another shoutout.

I Share My Secrets About Houston Area Running Trails

I enjoy a trail that has trees and water, one would think this is an easy find in this area, but I do in fact have to seek it out. So after lots of research, studying maps provided by city websites, and then double checking a Google map to make sure it is not some kind of exaggeration. I also then have to check the maps for best parking locations so I can be close to the amenities I require for my personal comforts, like the bathroom, the closest playground for the kids so I can use it as a tool to reward them for demonstrating desirable behavior while mommy gets her run on. It turns out, the work I put in before I ever set out for a trail run is extensive.

So, I feel like I should share some of these details with you about Countryside Park Running Trail of the Houston Area and the other trails in the Houston area! I can't be the only one who insists on peeing before I start a run. Here in Houston, there is a good chance I was in traffic for almost an hour before I arrived at my location it seems like a reasonable accommodation. But so many times I have pulled up after reading a boasting review of a local trail and there was no place to handle my personal business; which with potty training for the youngest children and my own personal needs...well let's just say that things are a no-go for me literally.

Countryside Park and the Running Trails of the Surrounding Neighborhood

Countryside Park Running Trail of the Houston Area is welcoming and easy to navigate. It does have some off shooting trails from the surrounding neighborhoods but pulling into the parking lot for the park it becomes clear this will have met my needs for comfort.

Clear Creek borders the running trail and moss laden trees provide a canopy of shade and nature. My three year old was so convinced of these natural features he asked if we were in the jungle. Of course if you put your back to the creek you find yourself surrounded my 21st century amenities, like soccer and baseball fields, a covered basketball court, bathrooms, concession stand, sand volleyball court, horseshoe boxes, and playground, seating-o-plenty and back at the creek there is a small dock for paddle style boats to take the waterway trails. The area feels safe with the trail running along the backs of comfortable homes in well-maintained neighborhoods. We ran by a neighborhood pool, boys on bikes, and crossed a few sturdy wooden bridges. As the various trails branch off surrounding the Countryside Park Running Trail of the Houston Area, there are underpasses which have the familiar smell of guano. The smell reminds me of carpet soaked in cat urine and it makes my asthma flare up, but what better motivation to add some HITT with a quick sprint to clear the smell?Watch for wildlife and mud. I didn't get bit more than twice by mosquitos and I didn't feel it necessary to douse the family in replant.

Check out the Trail Running Rubric for the Countryside Park Running Trail of the Houston Area

1 low quality

2 average quality

3 best quality

Score

cost

expensive, charge per individual

small fee

free

3

trail length

requires laps to get adequate workout

1 mile minimum

loop of manageable length, 1 mile minimum

3

trail material

broken sidewalk cement, grass

gravel, dirt, sand

paved with large wheels in mind (cement, road material, etc)

2

trail width

hardly large enough for single

single but easy to pass

double wide, easy to pass, side by side

2

bugs

doused in bug repellent and still leave itchy, mouth closed breathing

carry bug spray, could get on with out it, possibly leave with a couple of bug bites

like being indoors, a pretty butterfly would be a treat

2

view

grimy, no greenery, no tree cover from sun and wind, no visual appeal in the distance or directly near by

visual appeal either in the distance or directly near by, some greenery, some tree cover from sun and wind

visual appeal both in the distance and near by, green, seasonal foliage, tree cover from sun and wind

3

crowd (quantity)

too many people to maneuver as desired

some passing required but doable

comfortably populated

3

crowd (culture)

hobo community directly off path, rude or abrasive individuals

people keep to their self, not negative and not positive interactions with individuals

friendly individuals on and off the trail, smiles of encouragement, helpful if needed

3

cleanliness

nearly hazardous due to trash, very appealing aesthetically, unpleasant smell

trash here and there, minimal impact to aesthetics

spotless, clean

2

safety

not getting out of the car, too dangerous

share trail with bikers, some risk due to wildlife, surprise dark and scary and secluded tunnel or bridge, poor upkeep of trail material or signs

sparsely spots available in trail lot, street parking, may have to hike to trail, charge to park

adequate parking in trail lot, some hike required to get to trail

adequate parking in trail lot, no hike to trail

2

amenities

not encouraging the hanging out in any way

limited water, limits to any desired amenity

toilets, benches, workout section, water

3

I rate Countryside Park and Running Trail of the Houston Area a 30 out of possible 36. The score really doesn't mean one Running Trail is better or less desirable than another. It is about providing detailed characteristics about a subjective evaluation. By providing you with a clear guide for why I give it a particular rating you can better determine if this trail or any other trail is a good fit for you and your running needs. I bring my children, my friends, and their children; this is my number one factor - How does the trail effect them?

You decide if the Countryside Park and Running Trail of the Houston Area is suited to your needs. Give it a run let me know what you think.

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About Me

priscilla

Explore fitness and health with me as a regular attempt-to-do-it-all-mom. I don't know about you but it seems with each year and each child I have a completely different body to get to know! Join me as I explore those lady changes and share how I attempt to overcome all the obstacles that life brings so I can be my best for myself and my family. Read More…